Rattle in engine when accelerating

[kmay0417]

I have a 2012 Kia Rio. I started to hear what I refer to as a "rattle can" noise from the engine compartment about a month ago. It is a constant rattle during acceleration at any speed. When I put it in park and rev up the engine there is no noise.
The first time I took it in I was told it was most likely a "spark knock" and I probably got bad gas. I was told to run it out of that gas and run another tank through.
After two more tanks I still get the same rattle so I take it back in. They had the car for a week and could still not fix it. I've now been turned over to the engineering department. They now say it most likely needs a software update between the engine and transmission. They say that it's fine to drive and I am driving it.
I am so upset and am thinking about looking into the lemon law in my state to see if there is anything I can do on that front.
Has anyone heard about this issue before?

[colin15]

If you search and read through these forums you'll see that you're not the only one with this issue as many others have it too; it is an engine knock. I've given up on finding a solution and have just learned to live with it. Let us know if you ever figure out how to get rid of it.

[KCOPE316]

I too have this issue. I took it to the dealer and was told it was because I have my oil changed somewhere other then the dealer. I had them change the oil. They then told me it was fixed. Of course it wasn't. I took it back and the tech went for a ride with me. He then told me it was "combustion echo" and was common in 4 cylinder engines. I didn't buy it but argueing would have been useless. What really got me was when he told me "what do you care if something does go bad, you have a 100000 mile warranty"

Keep us posted as to wbat they determine, please.

[Calgarian]

Originally Posted by kmay0417

I have a 2012 Kia Rio. I started to hear what I refer to as a "rattle can" noise from the engine compartment about a month ago. It is a constant rattle during acceleration at any speed. When I put it in park and rev up the engine there is no noise.
The first time I took it in I was told it was most likely a "spark knock" and I probably got bad gas. I was told to run it out of that gas and run another tank through.
After two more tanks I still get the same rattle so I take it back in. They had the car for a week and could still not fix it. I've now been turned over to the engineering department. They now say it most likely needs a software update between the engine and transmission. They say that it's fine to drive and I am driving it.
I am so upset and am thinking about looking into the lemon law in my state to see if there is anything I can do on that front.
Has anyone heard about this issue before?

Same over here. It comes and goes when pressing or releasing the throttle. I have been told that it is normal which I don't agree.. It is definitely annoying

[dwhitekiss]

kmay0417, do you drive the 1.4 Model EX Hatchback? Based from the Kiatechinfo.com, there is technical bulletin about SERVICE ACTION: INSPECTION FOR NOISE FROM ENGINE UNDER SPECIFIC CONDITIONS (SA 134) which says:

This bulletin provides information relating to certain RIO (U 2013MY vehicles which may
experience “rattling” or “chattering” engine noises under specific conditions. Only a very smallnumber of vehicles within the identified Production Date range will actually be affected; make sureto follow the detailed instructions in this bulletin to prevent unnecessary engine replacements.This procedure applies to vehicles produced from August 09, 2012 to October 09, 2012. Kia is requesting the completion of this Service Action on all affected vehicles in dealer stock prior todelivery. Before conducting the procedure, verify the vehicle is included in the list of affected VINs.

This is published by Kia America so you might want to check it out.


colin15, learning to live with it too! But still hoping that they find the right solution. If that rattling sound goes away, owners would be totally satisfied.

I've been figuring this since March. Not really an issue as confirmed by my dealer but an annoyance. After fueling with high octane gas, the noise still exists occasionally. The very recent updates I have is when few weeks back, I had it checked up with my dealer. A Korean Engineer confirmed that the sound is tolerable.

By now, I know when the sound will come out. The noise goes away when
1. Rev 2000 RPM
2. Make careful turns
3. Maintain a constant speed

[Tribesman]

Kia uses their so called fantastic warranty to sell the car, any car manufacturer can give years of warranty if they choose not to honor it . I also have ticking noise , very annoying and have given up, they say this is common to all kio rio cars, after several attempts to to get it fixed , i just had to give up as they also said if anything goes wrong with the vehicle they will honor the warranty so turn on the radio and you wont hear the ticking noise . Will never touch a kia car again.

[OzSLS]

if the rattle you people are describing is in fact pre-ignition (worse) or detonation then you may want to try to find a fix sooner than later. Serious damage can ensue when you have one controlled burn and one out-of-control detonation going off inside the combustion chamber. Mine was pinging in warmer temps when using 91RON unleaded, and now never makes a sound running on 95 or 98RON. I shouldn't HAVE to run it on premium but i choose to as i'd prefer to keep my valves/rods/pistons in one piece.

[diabloninja]

Interestingly, the maintenance schedule suggests fuel injector cleaner everytime you change the oil. When I put that in the car, the rattle/ping noise goes away. I wonder, should we be running premium gas? The manual says 87 octane, but it could be wrong.

[Air Rio]

Well I'm having the same issues as well as the swishing noise behind the glove compartment. I added the Chevron cleaner after my first oil change and that doesn't affect anything. I just added premium gas on my last fill up to see if that would help, but don't seem like it is.

Now I've been noticing when I first start the car, the engines starts a little rough and not as smooth when I first purchased it.

I really like my car...but all these noises, etc. don't settle well with me when driving, especially when driving my kids to school every morning. I'm just waiting for my next oil change before taking it to the dealer and bringing all of this up b/c from what I'm hearing from everyone that's already spoken to their dealers...they're just giving the "It's normal" routine.

[OzSLS]

Originally Posted by diabloninja

I wonder, should we be running premium gas? The manual says 87 octane, but it could be wrong.

have a read of the post above yours